BRCC salutes 200th year of ‘Pride and Prejudice'

Courtney Creasmen and J.J. McCarson star as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy
in “Pride and Prejudice” at Blue Ridge Community College.

MIKE DIRKS/ TIMES-NEWS

By Katie WinklerTimes-News Correspondent

Published: Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 5, 2013 at 11:53 a.m.

In January, Jane Austen's most popular novel — indeed one of the most beloved novels of all time — "Pride and Prejudice" celebrated 200 years of publication. So it seems fitting that the drama department of Blue Ridge Community College will stage Jon Jory's adaptation of the classic for its spring production beginning Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the Flat Rock campus.

Austen's novel is a romance, with a healthy dose of social satire, about two people from different worlds. Although both from the upper echelons of society, Elizabeth, the protagonist, is inferior in birth to Mr. Darcy, who is worth, says Elizabeth's ambitious mother — "10,000 a year."

The pride and prejudice of both, along with scheming mothers, sisters, aunts and suitors, threaten to keep them apart, but in the end, both succumb to the overwhelming power of love.

One of the BRCC drama department's most ambitious projects, a nearly 40-member cast in period costumes will bring Austen's 19th-century world to life, complete with regency-era dancing and standard British dialect. Because the show is double cast for some roles, several actors in the play will play a principal role during most productions while their understudies participate in the ballroom scenes.

During Friday performances both weekends, however, the understudies will take on the principal roles, and principals will fill in during the ball scenes. This type of double casting increases the number of opportunities for student actors, says director Jennifer Treadway.

"I'm thrilled to give more opportunities to many people for the first time, including Early College High School students and students from the Transylvania County campus," she says.

In fact, an Early College High School student, Courtney Creasman, who appeared as part of the chorus in last semester's "Much Ado About Nothing," takes on the demanding lead role of Elizabeth. Ironically, Creasman knew little about the novel before taking on the role but now admires Elizabeth and sees her as a kindred spirit.

"She is relatable," Creasman says, "because she does things every girl has done. And she's outspoken. She has her faults, proud and vain, but also her strengths, wit and intelligence."

The dashing but aloof romantic hero, Mr. Darcy, will be played by J.J. McCarson, BRCC graduate and professional actor, returning as this semester's artist-in-residence. McCarson, too, was unfamiliar with the novel before being cast as Mr. Darcy.

"I had a notion of its popularity," McCarson says, "but I didn't see how relevant and respected it is. Its popularity ups the pressure to do it justice because of how iconic the character is."

Slowly and deliberately, much like the character he portrays, McCarson encapsulates the novel's enduring theme: "It's a story of redemption for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Even despite their transgressions, they ultimately recognize what they mean to each other."

Madeline Delp, in her final semester at BRCC and gracing its stage for the first time, plays the principal role of Jane Bennet, Elizabeth's older sister and best friend. Delp feels a special gratitude for this special opportunity, as "Pride and Prejudice" has long been a favorite book.

"I remember my cousin read it to me when I was younger, and it's been one of my favorites ever since," she says. "When I saw that we were doing it here at BRCC, I just knew I had to audition."

Many of those participating in the play had the same thoughts, such as Tori Brookshire, who plays several roles, including Darcy's old housekeeper. "I love the character of Elizabeth. She's witty, and she can hold her own. She's not a pushover."

The popularity of the book Austen called her "own darling child" has not waned since its first reading in the parlor of the author herself soon after publication. Of Elizabeth, Austen wrote, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know."

Although there have been famous detractors, including Mark Twain and Charlotte Bronte, for the most part "Pride and Prejudice" has remained at the top of many a reader's list of favorites, especially women.

Australian blogger Jennifer Duke theorizes that Austen's work continues to be popular primarily because of its heroine: "The simple truth is that for millions of women around the world, Elizabeth Bennet is their alter ego. She is not the beautiful, perfect, even-tempered Jane Bennet. She is not the over-the-top, man-hungry Lydia. She is not the awkward, anti-social Mary. Elizabeth is modern, witty and empowered, even despite the fact that she ‘lived' in an English Regency novel."

As Treadway says, "She is one of us."

Katie Winkler, a member of the Dramatist Guild of America, teaches British literature, English composition and creative writing at Blue Ridge Community College. She will also be appearing in "Pride and Prejudice" as Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth's foolish, fickle mother.

<p>In January, Jane Austen's most popular novel — indeed one of the most beloved novels of all time — "Pride and Prejudice" celebrated 200 years of publication. So it seems fitting that the drama department of Blue Ridge Community College will stage Jon Jory's adaptation of the classic for its spring production beginning Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the Flat Rock campus.</p><p>Austen's novel is a romance, with a healthy dose of social satire, about two people from different worlds. Although both from the upper echelons of society, Elizabeth, the protagonist, is inferior in birth to Mr. Darcy, who is worth, says Elizabeth's ambitious mother — "10,000 a year." </p><p>The pride and prejudice of both, along with scheming mothers, sisters, aunts and suitors, threaten to keep them apart, but in the end, both succumb to the overwhelming power of love.</p><p>One of the BRCC drama department's most ambitious projects, a nearly 40-member cast in period costumes will bring Austen's 19th-century world to life, complete with regency-era dancing and standard British dialect. Because the show is double cast for some roles, several actors in the play will play a principal role during most productions while their understudies participate in the ballroom scenes.</p><p>During Friday performances both weekends, however, the understudies will take on the principal roles, and principals will fill in during the ball scenes. This type of double casting increases the number of opportunities for student actors, says director Jennifer Treadway. </p><p>"I'm thrilled to give more opportunities to many people for the first time, including Early College High School students and students from the Transylvania County campus," she says.</p><p>In fact, an Early College High School student, Courtney Creasman, who appeared as part of the chorus in last semester's "Much Ado About Nothing," takes on the demanding lead role of Elizabeth. Ironically, Creasman knew little about the novel before taking on the role but now admires Elizabeth and sees her as a kindred spirit. </p><p>"She is relatable," Creasman says, "because she does things every girl has done. And she's outspoken. She has her faults, proud and vain, but also her strengths, wit and intelligence." </p><p>The dashing but aloof romantic hero, Mr. Darcy, will be played by J.J. McCarson, BRCC graduate and professional actor, returning as this semester's artist-in-residence. McCarson, too, was unfamiliar with the novel before being cast as Mr. Darcy. </p><p>"I had a notion of its popularity," McCarson says, "but I didn't see how relevant and respected it is. Its popularity ups the pressure to do it justice because of how iconic the character is." </p><p>Slowly and deliberately, much like the character he portrays, McCarson encapsulates the novel's enduring theme: "It's a story of redemption for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Even despite their transgressions, they ultimately recognize what they mean to each other." </p><p>Madeline Delp, in her final semester at BRCC and gracing its stage for the first time, plays the principal role of Jane Bennet, Elizabeth's older sister and best friend. Delp feels a special gratitude for this special opportunity, as "Pride and Prejudice" has long been a favorite book. </p><p>"I remember my cousin read it to me when I was younger, and it's been one of my favorites ever since," she says. "When I saw that we were doing it here at BRCC, I just knew I had to audition."</p><p>Many of those participating in the play had the same thoughts, such as Tori Brookshire, who plays several roles, including Darcy's old housekeeper. "I love the character of Elizabeth. She's witty, and she can hold her own. She's not a pushover." </p><p>The popularity of the book Austen called her "own darling child" has not waned since its first reading in the parlor of the author herself soon after publication. Of Elizabeth, Austen wrote, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know." </p><p>Although there have been famous detractors, including Mark Twain and Charlotte Bronte, for the most part "Pride and Prejudice" has remained at the top of many a reader's list of favorites, especially women. </p><p>Australian blogger Jennifer Duke theorizes that Austen's work continues to be popular primarily because of its heroine: "The simple truth is that for millions of women around the world, Elizabeth Bennet is their alter ego. She is not the beautiful, perfect, even-tempered Jane Bennet. She is not the over-the-top, man-hungry Lydia. She is not the awkward, anti-social Mary. Elizabeth is modern, witty and empowered, even despite the fact that she 'lived' in an English Regency novel."</p><p>As Treadway says, "She is one of us."</p><p>Katie Winkler, a member of the Dramatist Guild of America, teaches British literature, English composition and creative writing at Blue Ridge Community College. She will also be appearing in "Pride and Prejudice" as Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth's foolish, fickle mother.</p>